Newcastle United did not have the resources to compete against Tottenham at the weekend.
That is the view of manager Eddie Howe, who saw his team lose 4-1 away from home.
Despite a poor result that hurts them in the top four race, Howe believes they will improve once players start to return to action.
Post-game, he told reporters: "I thought Tottenham played very well. We had our moments in the game, especially at the beginning of the second half when we were excellent until they scored."
He continued: "We weren't at our best physically today and you could see that. The lads were giving everything but with not enough resources to give more.
"If I commit to that and say it's all down to fatigue... we've got another game on Wednesday. This is what we wanted this season.
"The Champions League is a very special tournament but with it comes more games. We hoped to be able to have the squad to cope with that but with the injuries we've had, I think we've had it worse than any other team that I can remember.
"These same group of players have gone through five games and it is difficult. But we do have some light at the end of the tunnel with Callum and Sean coming back. Massive players for us and they both did well when they came on."